Press Release

2/28/2013 - St. Helena, CA--The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) today announced its investment of $840,000 in community services that offer a safety net to meet the most critical and basic needs--food and shelter--for those living at or below the poverty level.

"It's nearly impossible to be a productive member of your family or community if you don't know where your next meal will come from or have to worry about having a roof over your head," said Napa Valley Vintners Executive Director Linda Reiff. "These funds will help solve the most immediate problems affecting those living at or below the poverty level--or at risk of doing so--to help them be able to get back on their feet."

Nearly 10% of Napa County residents live below the poverty level, according to US Census Bureau statistics for 2007-2011, with 40% of its seniors living under the poverty level. The target audiences of programs receiving funding in this fifth category of giving from Auction Napa Valley 2012 proceeds include those working in lower-wage jobs, those who are homeless or at risk of becoming so, and those who are retired or disabled and living on fixed incomes.

The eight agencies receiving funding in this category are: Community Action Napa Valley; Napa Valley Community Housing; Napa County Housing Authority; Fair Housing Napa Valley; Legal Aid of Napa Valley; Catholic Charities; The Salvation Army; and Calistoga Affordable Housing. Funding will allow these organizations to expand their programs and outreach to help these most vulnerable populations on their way to self-sufficiency by:

improving the health of the severely disabled, low-income, homeless and at-risk populations by preparing and providing well-balanced, nutritional prepared meals, and offering access to nutritional products and produce.

keeping local workers and retired individuals within their own community by providing and maintaining safe, affordable housing, and offering education and advocacy about housing choices and conditions.

helping seniors, immigrants, and low-income residents of Napa County solve critical problems that affect their health and safety by providing free bilingual legal advice and representation.

This is the fifth of six overall categories of funding being made from proceeds from the Napa Valley Vintners' Auction Napa Valley 2012 fundraiser. The first investment was $1.9 million for direct medical services, the second was $1.14 million for resources, education and services for at-risk families, the third was $1.275 million for resources, education and services for school-age children and the fourth was $772,000 for programs helping those at risk or affected by substance abuse, mental illness and health issues related to aging. The remaining category will be announced this spring. For more information, visit www.auctionnapavalley.org.

About Auction Napa Valley

Auction Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Vintners' annual community fundraiser is the most celebrated charity wine auction in the world, donating more than $110 million to health, youth and affordable housing non-profit programs. Founded in 1981, under the vision of Robert and Margrit Mondavi this quintessential showcase of Napa Valley's best wine, food and outstanding hospitality has grown to be a four-day gathering held each year the first weekend in June. Learn more at www.AuctionNapaValley.org

About the Napa Valley Vintners

The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) is the non-profit trade association responsible for promoting and protecting the Napa Valley appellation as the premier winegrowing region. From seven founding members in 1944, today the association represents 450 Napa Valley wineries and collectively is a leader in the world-wide wine industry. To learn more about our region and its legendary American wines, visit www.napavintners.com.